Duncan Studios

Duncan Addicott is a recent Sonoma State University Graduate. His projects from Sonoma State University and John Muir High School are both on his wix website. About Me My name is Duncan Addicott, a proud graduate of Sonoma State University. I’m an avid walker, and while I used to bike frequently, I now also enjoy gardening and working in general. On this website, you’ll find projects I completed at Sonoma State University, as well as work from my time as a student at John Muir High School. Contact Me I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

Showing the photo/video/media projects that I've done in Duncan Studios as well as showing other projects as well WELCOME TO DUNCAN STUDIOS A collection of my writing, video work, and professional profiles. About Sonoma State Star Resume Muck Rack LinkedIn

Here are the photos that I have taken for different assignments from my Film Video Projection course when I was in high school Photos "Hello/Goodbye" This Senior Capstone Project represents my final reflection at John Muir High School, showcasing the skills, knowledge, and experiences I developed over four years of high school. It serves as both a closing and a transition, highlighting my growth in media production, communication, and storytelling as I prepare to move on to Sonoma State University. My Senior Presentation Theme and Organization Chart For my senior presentation, I chose the theme “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” because it reflects my high school experience, including starting during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and continuing through graduation. Despite challenges and unexpected changes, I stayed on track to graduate in June. The theme also represents my motivation to keep moving forward as I continue my education at Sonoma State University. "The Florida Project" Movie Film Review This film review analyzes The Florida Project directed by Sean Baker, focusing on the concept of “hidden homelessness” and how it affects families living in budget motels near Disney World. The analysis explores how environment, relationships, and economic hardship shape the characters’ daily lives, as well as the role of caring adults like Bobby in supporting children living in unstable housing situations. Senior Year: My Senior Defense Topic For my Senior Capstone Project, I chose Breast Cancer Awareness because I had previously worked on similar PSA projects in Film and Video Production. This topic was meaningful to me because it allowed me to continue building awareness through media while combining storytelling, visuals, and advocacy into one final high school project. Junior Year: Season 1 Episode 4 Breast Cancer Awareness Editorial PSA Photos This project was created during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as part of a PSA campaign. My group used pink-themed visuals, posters, and studio photography to highlight awareness and remembrance. We also used color isolation techniques to emphasize pink, symbolizing support for those affected by breast cancer and honoring those who have been lost to the disease. Sophomore Year: Season 4 Episode 2 "What I Learn In Film/Video Production This project reflects my experience in Film and Video Production and what I learned about professional media creation, including photography, editing, and visual storytelling. My favorite projects from the year included And the Oscar Goes To…, the Goals video, and Say My Name, which helped me develop technical skills and understand how film production works in a classroom and industry setting. "It Takes Three To Tango" Photo This project represents three personal goals or ideas I wanted to focus on during the school year. It visually communicates balance, priorities, and personal growth through a simple conceptual photo format. "My Year In Review" This project reflects on my overall experience in Film and Video Production. My favorite projects included Can’t Live Without, Stack It Up, and the Green Screen project. I also reflect on challenges I faced learning Final Cut Pro and offer advice for future students, such as staying consistent with class attendance, learning editing tools early, and managing deadlines effectively. Halloween Project This extra credit project was created for Halloween 2020 and focused on masking techniques in Film and Video Production. The assignment allowed me to experiment with visual effects and editing tools to creatively blend or isolate elements within an image, strengthening my early understanding of post-production and digital composition. Season 1 Episode 4 "Say My Name" This project challenged us to creatively spell out our names using objects found in our own homes. I arranged everyday items to visually represent my name, focusing on composition, design, and personal expression. The goal was to explore identity through visual storytelling using simple materials in a creative way. Sophomore Year: Season 1 Episode 3 What I Want to Learn Photo This photo project represents my early goals in Film and Video Production, where I focused on what I wanted to learn in the class. In the image, I am holding a sign expressing my interest in learning how to use a green screen and how to work with lighting effectively. This project reflects my curiosity about technical filmmaking skills and my desire to understand how professional visual effects and lighting setups are created.

This is where you can find different projects that I did when I was a student in high school My Life at John Muir High School Below are some of my highlights from John Muir High School "PUSD’s Class of 2023 Outstanding Graduates" - Pasadena Now Recognized by Pasadena Unified School District as an Outstanding Graduate and Salutatorian of John Muir High School Early College Magnet (Class of 2023) Read the original feature below View Pasadena Now Feature Pasadena Unified School District celebrates class of 2023 In 2023, Duncan Addicott was recognized by Pasadena Unified School District as Salutatorian of John Muir High School Early College Magnet and featured in PUSD’s “Class of 2023” graduate showcase. Addicott graduated as recipient of the Sonoma State University President’s Scholarship and later pursued Communications and Media Studies at Sonoma State University. View PUSD Feature

Here are the video projects I did for assignments in my Film and Video Production course when I was attending high school Video Projects from Film and Video Production Courses "Mv Semester in Review" This video project reflects on my work throughout the semester in Film and Video Production. It summarizes the different assignments I completed, including the Breast Cancer Awareness PSA and “Let Me Tell You Something About Me,” which I recently finished and submitted. The project also highlights additional work such as movie reviews and other short-form video assignments. Overall, this video serves as a reflection on my growth, creative development, and progress across the semester’s projects. "Let Me Tell You Something" About Me This video project is a personal introduction piece created for my Film and Video Production course. In it, I share different aspects of my identity and life, including my involvement in my high school GSA club (Gender and Sexuality Alliance), my family relationships, and my passion for music. I also reflect on my college application process, including applying to multiple California State Universities and visiting Sonoma State University for the first time. Overall, the video combines personal storytelling with reflection on community, interests, and future goals. "Make A Splash" (S5 E2) This video project was created at the beginning of the semester for my Film and Video Production course. It served as an introductory assignment focused on experimenting with storytelling, structure, and basic video production techniques. The project helped establish foundational skills in filming, editing, and creative expression that were developed further throughout the rest of the semester. "No More Excuses" PSA S2 Ep 3 (Part 2) This short PSA is part of a larger series focused on challenging harmful social norms and encouraging accountability. In this segment, I hold a poster from NoMore.org that reads “It Was Just a Date,” addressing how language like this can minimize or excuse harmful behavior. The project uses direct messaging and visual emphasis to encourage reflection on how everyday statements can shape attitudes toward responsibility and consent. "I PINK I Can" Breast Cancer Awareness PSA S5 E3 This public service announcement was created for my Senior Capstone Project at John Muir High School. The video raises awareness about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlights key facts about the disease, including its impact on both women and men. It emphasizes the seriousness of breast cancer as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and encourages awareness, education, and support for efforts to end cancer as we know it for everyone. "No More Excuses" PSA S2 Ep 3 (Part 3) This short PSA is part of a larger series focused on addressing and challenging harmful social behaviors and encouraging accountability. In this segment, I hold a poster from NoMore.org while speaking directly to the idea of “no more be a man,” highlighting how language and social expectations around masculinity can contribute to dismissive or harmful attitudes. The project uses simple, direct messaging to encourage awareness and reflection on everyday behavior and communication. "No More Excuses" PSA S2 Ep 3 (Part 1) This short PSA is part of a larger series focused on raising awareness about harmful social behaviors and encouraging accountability. In this segment, I hold a poster from NoMore.org that reads “Keeping Quiet,” highlighting how silence and not speaking up can contribute to the continuation of harmful situations. The project uses direct messaging and visual storytelling to encourage reflection on the importance of speaking out and breaking silence around these issues. "Five Things I Can't Live Without" This video project was created for my Film and Video Production course as a personal storytelling assignment. In it, I introduce myself and reflect on five essential things in my daily life: music, my backpack, my keys, my work badge, my AirPods, and my phone. Each item represents different aspects of my routine, including school, work, communication, and personal well-being. The project focuses on using video and narration to express identity, habits, and the everyday tools that support my life as a student and working individual. "Stack It Up" S1 Ep5 Video Interview Semester Final This video interview was created for my Film and Video Production course at John Muir High School. In it, I introduce myself and reflect on my strengths and areas for growth, including my performance in film production and my academic progress. I also discuss my need for more job experience, my interest in working in customer-facing roles, and a community service experience where I helped distribute flyers for a local block party. The project highlights personal reflection, communication skills, and early career development through a structured interview format. Season 1 Episode 2 "Make A Splash" This video was created at the beginning of the semester as part of my Film and Video Production coursework. It served as an early project focused on developing production skills, experimenting with video structure, and building confidence in editing and storytelling techniques. Season 2 Episode 1-"Goals" Video This video project was created for my Film and Video Production course and focuses on short-term personal, academic, and creative goals for spring break 2022. In it, I reflect on three main goals: improving my skills in film and video production through learning storyboarding and photography techniques, maintaining strong academic performance in my classes, and developing healthier habits through more consistent exercise. The project uses narration and visual editing to express motivation, planning, and personal growth. Season 1 Episode 3 "I Pink I Can" This PSA raises awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and screenings, especially in underserved communities. It highlights statistics on breast cancer diagnoses and the impact of COVID-19 on reduced screening rates. The video encourages viewers to support cancer research and awareness organizations and emphasizes the importance of early action and education in saving lives. Junior Year: Season 1 Episode 1 "Expectations" This video reflects my early expectations for my Film and Video Production course. I discuss my goals for the year, including learning how to use custom transitions, improving video editing skills, and developing stronger photo and video production techniques. The project captures my initial mindset at the start of the course and my interest in expanding my creative and technical abilities to make more engaging visual media. Season 4 Episode 1 "Lay It Flat" This video reflects on the objects and tools that shaped my experiences during the pandemic and beyond. I highlight the books I read, including both digital and physical texts that connect to activist movements around the world and broaden my understanding of global issues. I also include my phone and computer, which became essential for staying connected with friends, completing schoolwork, and staying informed during a time of isolation and uncertainty. In addition, I reflect on my bike helmet, which represents the time I spent biking as a way to take breaks, clear my mind, and step away from daily stress during the height of the pandemic. I also discuss my mask as a symbol of the pandemic era and how it reflects both protection and identity during that time. Overall, this project explores how everyday objects can represent personal experience, resilience, and connection during a global crisis. Season 3 Episode 5 "Changes" This video was created for my Film and Video Production course and focuses on experimenting with editing techniques such as match cuts, cross cuts, and other visual transitions. The project explores how different editing choices can change the pacing, meaning, and emotional flow of a video. Through this assignment, I developed a better understanding of how transitions can connect scenes and create continuity, while also improving my overall editing and storytelling skills in post-production. Season 1 Episode 6 "Making a Splash" This video was created at the beginning of my Film and Video Production course as part of a class assignment focused on developing foundational production skills. The project involved planning, filming, and editing a short video while experimenting with structure, pacing, and visual storytelling. Through this assignment, I began building confidence in using basic editing tools and learning how to organize footage to create a clear and engaging final product. Season 3 Episode 6 "And The Oscar Goes To" This project was created for my Film and Video Production course at John Muir High School. The assignment involved compiling trailers from all films nominated for the 2021 Academy Awards into a single cohesive video. The goal of the project was to develop editing, sequencing, and media organization skills while working with professional film content. Through this process, I practiced timing, transitions, and narrative flow in video editing while gaining experience working with real-world cinematic material. “The QuaranTEEN” Series— Season 3 Episode 1 Goals Project This video is part of The QuaranTEEN series created for my Film and Video Production course. In this episode, I present three short-term goals I set for myself during Spring 2021. These include improving my film and video production skills—specifically learning how to create strong opening scenes—maintaining strong academic performance in all classes, and increasing physical activity by biking and exercising more regularly. The project reflects my early focus on personal growth during the pandemic, combining creative interests, academic ambition, and health goals. It also shows how I used video production as a way to reflect on planning, motivation, and self-improvement during an unusual school year. Sophomore Year: Season 1 Episode 3 "What I Want to Learn" This video was created for my Film and Video Production course at John Muir High School. In it, I introduce myself and share my goals for what I want to learn throughout the year. I explain my interest in working with green screens and lighting techniques, and my goal of understanding how to use both together to improve the quality and professionalism of my video projects. The assignment reflects my early curiosity about technical production skills and my interest in learning how different tools in filmmaking work together to create more advanced visual effects.

This is my senior capstone project that I did for my COMS 402 course at Sonoma State University when I was a senior. It is about the Sonoma State 2025 budget cuts and how the leadership communicated it to the faculty and how faculty interpreted it How Sonoma State’s leadership communicated the 2025 budget crisis — and how those messages were interpreted across campus When Sonoma State University announced major budget cuts in early 2025, the message was intended to be clear and unified. But across campus, faculty and staff experienced and interpreted that communication in very different ways. This project investigates how the crisis was communicated by leadership and how it was understood on the ground, drawing on interviews from multiple departments to explore questions of transparency, trust, and shared governance. Produced as part of COMS 402: Senior Seminar, Sonoma State University View Here

This is where you can find different projects I have done from the past three years when I was a Freshmen to when I am now a Junior and about to graduate from college My Life At Sonoma State Below are some of the highlights from my time at Sonoma State University CSU Student Research Competition Selected to represent Sonoma State University at the 2026 California State University Student Research Competition for research examining media ethics, wildfire coverage, and emergency communication during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Read the SSU Feature Read the SSU Star Article Writer for the Sonoma State Star Selected articles written as a staff writer for the Sonoma State Star at Sonoma State University, focusing on campus news, institutional decisions, student impact, and broader regional issues connected to the SSU community. View Articles Intern with Land Paths in Santa Rosa A profile of Duncan Addicott’s internship experience with LandPaths in Santa Rosa, where he worked in community gardening and environmental education. The feature, published through Sonoma State University, highlights his developing interest in sustainability, agriculture, and nonprofit work. Read SSU Feature

This is where you can find different research papers from my years in college at Sonoma State University Research Projects Media Bias, Wildfire Coverage, and Ethical Accountability: The Eaton Fire as a Case Study Selected to represent Sonoma State University at the California State University Student Research Competition in April 2026. This research examines media framing and ethical accountability in news coverage of the 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, with a focus on emergency communication and public perception during environmental crises. Walking as Learning: Community Knowledge and Informal Education in Public Spaces for LIBS 330 - The Child in Question This video ethnography project, created for LIBS 330, explores how everyday movement through public spaces in Sonoma County functions as a form of informal learning. Through filmed walking routes across Santa Rosa, Spring Lake Park, and Cotati, I examine how people interpret space, make navigational decisions, and develop environmental awareness in real time. Drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Yosso’s concept of navigational capital, the project shows how learning is embedded in everyday mobility. Bridges, parks, sidewalks, and signage operate as cultural tools that shape how individuals understand safety, efficiency, and direction. Using qualitative video analysis and ethnographic fieldnotes, I analyze three walking sequences to identify recurring patterns in decision-making, including route comparison, environmental comfort, and real-time problem-solving. The findings suggest that movement through public space is not just physical activity, but a continuous learning process shaped by experience, community knowledge, and environmental context. Overall, the project argues that walking itself can be understood as an overlooked form of education, where knowledge is produced through interaction with everyday environments rather than formal instruction. Stealth in the Anthropocene: A Review for LIBS 202 - Challenge and Response This creative nonfiction essay, created for LIBS 202, is written in the style of John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed, blending personal narrative with cultural and technological analysis. It reviews the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter jet as both an engineering milestone and a symbolic artifact of the Anthropocene, where human innovation reshapes not only the physical world but also how power and secrecy are expressed through technology. The essay examines the F-117’s development at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works as a product of Cold War-era anxiety and technological escalation. Designed to evade radar and operate in secrecy, the aircraft reflects broader human efforts to extend control through advanced systems while simultaneously hiding the mechanisms of that control. In this sense, the jet becomes a symbol of both innovation and invisibility. Interwoven with this analysis is a personal narrative about my grandfather, who worked in advanced aerospace programs and contributed to aircraft development during his career. His professional legacy provides a lens for reflecting on engineering, memory, and inherited forms of technological imagination. This historical thread connects large-scale systems of aerospace design to lived, personal experience across generations. The essay also explores themes of identity, visibility, and acceptance through a personal coming-out narrative, using the metaphor of stealth versus being seen. By linking aerospace technology with family history and personal reflection, the project argues that the Anthropocene is not only defined by environmental change, but also by the emotional and cultural consequences of human invention and the ways we choose to reveal or conceal ourselves. Encounters at the End of the World: Scripted Extension Created for CINE 302 – World Cinema History & Theory, this hybrid screenplay is inspired by Werner Herzog’s Encounters at the End of the World and Wicked. It explores isolation, connection, and uncertainty through parallel storytelling, where a lone penguin’s journey across Antarctica mirrors the emotional struggles of Lukas as he navigates friendship, change, and identity. Blending documentary influence with fictional narrative, the script uses layered cinematic perspectives to examine how meaning is constructed through both human experience and the natural world. The House in Cambria: Children’s Literature Research & Story Development Created for LIBS 320D, this mini research project examines the work of children’s author Claire Winslow, particularly her use of rhythm, repetition, and inclusive storytelling in We Are the Rainbow. The project explores how children’s literature can promote empathy, belonging, and emotional growth through accessible language and visual symbolism. Inspired by Winslow’s approach, I began developing an original children’s story titled The House in Cambria, centered on family memory, promises, and rebuilding after a local fire in Cambria, California. Drawing on themes of connection, hope, and intergenerational relationships, the project reflects how children’s literature can address real experiences while remaining emotionally comforting and imaginative for young readers.

Here are different projects I did while at John Muir High School in Pasadena California. My senior capstone project was a PSA project that I did for Breast Cancer Awareness Projects Duncan Addicott - AP English Language Research Paper This research paper was completed as part of my Senior Capstone Project in high school. It examines LGBTQ+ discrimination in the United States and analyzes the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, focusing on its legal, social, and cultural impact. Breast Cancer Awareness PSA This public service announcement was created for my Senior Capstone Project at John Muir High School. The video raises awareness about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlights key facts about the disease, including its impact on both women and men. It emphasizes the seriousness of breast cancer as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and encourages awareness, education, and support for efforts to end cancer as we know it for everyone. Duncan Addicott - Senior Capstone Project This project is my Senior Capstone Defense presentation from John Muir High School. It brings together my academic work, extracurricular involvement, internships, and community experiences to reflect on my growth throughout high school. The presentation highlights key artifacts including my Junior English research paper and Breast Cancer Awareness PSA, along with my participation in programs such as the AEM Academy, Youth Ambassadors with the City of Pasadena, and multiple leadership and internship opportunities. It also outlines my academic journey, including dual enrollment courses at Pasadena City College, and concludes with my future plans in communication and media studies at Sonoma State University and beyond. Duncan Addicott - Informational Essay This informational essay was originally created in November 2019 during my freshman year of high school and later revisited and used as part of my Senior Capstone Project three years later. The paper explores educational inequality in the United States by comparing schools in low-income and high-income communities, using John Muir High School in Pasadena and Piedmont High School in Northern California as case studies. It examines how differences in funding—often tied to local property taxes—affect school resources, academic performance, and student opportunities. The essay highlights disparities in graduation rates, standardized test scores, and extracurricular offerings, and argues that systemic economic inequality continues to shape the quality of public education across districts.